Mezzo by Chris Damian

Chris Damian
  • 4.8 (10)
  • Christianity

Mezzo is a space for the "in-between." For deconstructing and deconstructed Catholics, and those who want to learn with and from them. We cover Catholicism, intersectionality, dialogue, deconstruction, sexuality, race, creativity, healing, change, and much more!

  1. 1d ago

    Why Christian Stories Need More Honesty (Not More Arguments)

    What happens when you stop trying to win arguments and start telling honest stories?In this conversation, I sit down with Simon, creator of the acclaimed Dear Alana podcast, to talk about the years-long journey of bringing Alana Chen's story to life. We discuss grief, creativity, Catholicism, deconstruction, conversion therapy, and why so many people—religious and secular alike—feel trapped by simplistic narratives.We explore why Dear Alana resonated so deeply, the challenge of telling a story instead of making an argument, and how authentic storytelling can create empathy across political, religious, and cultural divides. We also discuss the future of faith conversations, why we need more nuanced media, and what it means to create art that serves people rather than ideologies.Whether you're Catholic, former religious, LGBTQ, questioning your faith, or simply interested in meaningful storytelling, I hope this conversation helps you think differently about grief, creativity, and what it means to seek truth together.00:00 Welcome00:48 Simon background01:44 Starting Dear Alana03:44 Alana story parallels07:08 A vocational calling10:00 Telling grief responsibly12:24 Story not argument14:59 Bridging inside outside audiences22:39 Catholicism in politics now25:24 Grief and faith reckoning30:58 Grief reshapes priorities33:02 Grief without resolution34:00 Beauty in hard stories34:48 Building bridges across divides35:57 A small life's big impact37:03 Rated R faith conversations39:00 Beyond clean arguments40:43 Capacity to face suffering41:55 Dismantling secular religious divide44:47 Conversion therapy legal lessons47:30 Religious literacy and governance49:22 Making space for honest doubt52:32 Outsider honesty as gift55:11 Create together not alone58:38 Wrapping up

  2. Aug 13

    Does the Catholic Church Really Condemn Socialism?

    Socialism is presently all over American news, with democratic socialist politicians currently competing for key roles in state and national leadership. These developments have elicited forceful commentary from Catholic leaders such as Bishop Robert Barron. Catholics are often told that the Church has always condemned socialism. But is that actually what the Church teaches? In this episode, I examine Bishop Robert Barron's response to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and use it as a starting point to explore more than a century of Catholic social teaching. What does Barron get right? And what does he get wrong? Looking at Rerum Novarum, Quadragesimo Anno, Laborem Exercens, Centesimus Annus, and the writings of Popes Benedict XVI and Francis, I explore how the Church's understanding of capitalism, socialism, democratic socialism, collectivism, private property, and the common good has developed over time.Rather than asking whether Catholics must embrace capitalism or socialism, I explore the principles that have remained constant throughout Catholic tradition: the dignity of work, the rights of workers, the universal destination of goods, private property, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the preferential option for the poor.If you've ever wondered what Catholic social teaching actually says—and whether modern political labels fit the Church's tradition—this episode is for you.00:00 Catholicism Meets Socialism00:53 Barron Versus Mamdani02:09 Collectivism And Socialism05:00 Democratic Socialism Question05:23 Leo XIII Rerum Novarum07:29 Pius XI Quadragesimo Anno09:36 John Paul II On Work14:04 Centesimus Annus And Capitalism18:08 Benedict On Democratic Socialism20:24 Francis And Marxist Dialogue22:51 Back To Barron Tweet24:00 Closing Thoughts

  3. Aug 6

    From Youth Ministry to Mental Health: Faith, Fear, and Healing with Ashley Kieffer

    Former youth minister–turned–therapist Ashley Kieffer joins Chris to talk about black-and-white Catholicism, youth ministry culture, and what happens when faith gets tangled up with OCD and scrupulosity. They unpack safety vs fear, confession as compulsion, sexuality and shame, and what it means to move from “cookie-cutter Catholic” to a faith rooted in love instead of anxiety. If your religious life feels more like panic than peace, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Ashley's Background and Early Faith Journey 01:35 Youth Ministry Experience 05:54 Transition to Mental Health Therapy 09:51 Exploring Faith and Mental Health 18:10 Understanding OCD and Scrupulosity 21:57 Navigating Scrupulosity in a Hyper-Catholic World 23:05 Therapeutic Approaches to Religious OCD 29:39 Challenges in Youth Ministry 36:17 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Nuance 44:42 Gratitude and Connection with God

  4. Jul 30

    Why So Many Women Don’t Believe Women (From Someone on the Front Lines)

    In today’s episode of Mezzo, I talk with Katherine Mitchell, therapy program director at Bridging Hope, a sexual assault crisis center in northeast Georgia. (You may also know her as the former manager of Reconstructing Catholicism.) Katherine oversees therapy for survivors whose trauma may have happened yesterday or decades ago, using EMDR, somatic work, and trauma-informed care to walk with people through some of the worst things that can happen to a human being. We talk about what actually happens inside a sexual assault crisis center, why juries and even other women often struggle to believe survivors, and how politics and power shape which stories are taken seriously. Katherine shares candidly about being a survivor herself, raising two young boys with consent and safety in mind, saying “no” to things like sleepovers and certain church events, and learning to set boundaries that protect connection instead of shutting it down. We also explore burnout, how therapists know when they’re not okay, the limits of what therapy (or faith) can promise, and why religious communities so often hurt instead of help. Underneath all of it is a quiet invitation: your trauma wasn’t your fault, and you deserve support in the work of healing. 00:00 The Importance of Healing and Community Support07:15 Differences Between Therapist and Social Worker11:46 Challenges in Addressing Sexual Violence18:36 Parenting and Teaching Consent23:32 Empowering Parents to Advocate for Their Children34:21 Challenges of Clergy Abuse Survivors41:59 Finding Meaning and Motivation in the Work44:58 The Role of Autonomy in Healing52:55 Spirituality and Healing57:21 Current Interests and Self-Care

  5. Jul 15

    Why I Protested: A Catholic Response to ICE in Minneapolis

    Over the past year, I've watched my community in Minneapolis experience fear, grief, and incredible acts of courage. In this episode of Mezzo, I share my own experiences living through the recent ICE operations in the Twin Cities, how they affected my friends, my faith, and my understanding of what it means to love our neighbors.This isn't simply a discussion about politics. It's a reflection on Christian hope, peaceful resistance, constitutional rights, and the responsibility we have to care for one another during moments of crisis. I talk about community solidarity, fear, forgiveness, and why I believe hope is something we practice—even when it feels impossible.Whether you agree with me or not, I hope you'll listen with an open mind as I share why these events have changed me and why I believe our response to suffering ultimately says something about who we are.00:00 Minneapolis Under Occupation01:08 Marching With Our Neighbors02:21 Minnesota Nice In Action04:36 Fear And Escalation09:19 Alex Preti And The Aftermath24:33 Disconnection And Solidarity26:28 Faith Leaders Mobilize29:38 Rest Guilt And Grief32:32 Hope As Moral Effort41:40 Constitutional Crisis Call To Act

  6. Jul 2

    My Grandfather Was an "Illegal Immigrant": A Catholic Perspective

    In this episode, I share some of my personal story about immigration, faith, and family. My grandfather once overstayed his visa and, for a time, was considered an "illegal immigrant." Looking at today's immigration debate, I can't help but wonder how differently my own family might have been treated under our current political climate. I also reflect on why I was initially hopeful about JD Vance as a Catholic public figure, why that hope ultimately faded, and what I believe Catholic teaching—including the concept of ordo amoris (the order of charity)—actually asks of Christians when it comes to immigrants and refugees. This isn't a discussion about political parties as much as it is about neighbors, compassion, and the responsibility we owe to the people whose lives become intertwined with our own. Whether you agree or disagree, I hope you'll listen with an open mind and join the conversation in the comments. If you enjoy thoughtful discussions on Catholicism, politics, ethics, LGBTQ issues, and faith, consider subscribing for more. 00:00 The Personal Legacy of Immigration 02:55 Reflections on J.D. Vance and Political Discourse 05:52 The Complexity of Love and Responsibility 08:59 The Impact of Immigration Policies 11:58 A Call to Compassion and Understanding

  7. Jun 29

    Why Catholic Arguments Against Transgender People Don't Work

    In this episode, we explore why many Catholic arguments against transgender identities fail to persuade—even among people who are sympathetic to Catholic teaching.Drawing on the work of Catholic philosopher Elizabeth Anscombe, we examine how many Catholic discussions about transgender people begin with assumptions that don't accurately describe how trans people understand themselves. Instead of engaging real experiences, Catholic leaders and apologists often end up arguing against simplified caricatures.We also examine the 2019 Vatican document Male and Female He Created Them, discuss how transgender people commonly describe their identities, and compare today's debates about gender to the ways Christians once misunderstood and misrepresented gay people.Whether you agree or not, I hope this conversation encourages a deeper, more honest engagement with both Catholic tradition and the lived experiences of transgender people.Subscribe for more conversations on Catholicism, sexuality, faith, culture, and the future of the Church.Follow me:Substack: Chris DamianInstagram/X: @cdamianwrites00:00 Why Arguments Fail01:47 Vatican Gender Document04:15 Trans Identity Not Choice05:47 Euthydemus Moral Discourse06:13 Lessons From Gay Debates07:15 Credibility And Consequences08:02 Better Conversation Ahead

  8. Jun 22

    Can Gay Men Be Ordained Catholic Priests? Canon Lawyer Explains the Rules

    Can Catholic seminaries admit gay men to holy orders? In this long, nerdy, and surprisingly hopeful conversation, I sit down with my friend Dan Quinan, a canon lawyer and Substack writer, to unpack what Church law actually says about “homosexual tendencies,” “gay culture,” and seminary admissions.We walk through the 2005 Vatican instructions, the difference between actions, habits, and desires, and why canon law cares far more about chastity and double lives than about labels like “gay” or “homosexual.” We also talk about Pope Francis, the Italian bishops’ recent proposals, and how pathological frameworks around sexuality have fueled both confusion and abuse.If you care about vocations, gay Catholics, canon law, or just understanding what the Church really teaches beyond the hot takes, this one’s for you.00:00 Admittance to Holy Orders03:24 Understanding Canon Law and Instructions07:08 Frameworks and Interpretations of Homosexuality29:53 Discussing a Bishop's Allegations and Identity33:06 Understanding Celibacy and Chastity34:15 Seminary Admissions and Homosexuality41:06 Virtue Ethics and Canon Law

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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Mezzo is a space for the "in-between." For deconstructing and deconstructed Catholics, and those who want to learn with and from them. We cover Catholicism, intersectionality, dialogue, deconstruction, sexuality, race, creativity, healing, change, and much more!

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Damian
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris Damian
  • Show Website
    Mezzo by Chris Damian

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